Hey guys,
After having a '70, '89 and '92, I'm ready to jump into the C5 year range. The only thing is I don't know much about the C5's. The biggest question is what to look for with the different years. What changed as the years progressed for the C5? Is the '97 just as good as the '04?
Right now I'm just doing alot of background research before I start aggressively negotiating a deal. I've already spotted a few awesome deals but would like to know a little more. I've been doing searches but it's hard to get this kind of information from a search.

Jeff

 

This might help.

C5 Yearly differences in models

1997

• Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
• All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
• 97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

1998

• Convertible becomes available
• Active Handling becomes available late in year
• The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

1999

• 26# injectors substituted for 28#
• Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
• FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
• HUD introduced
• only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
• Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
• ? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
• door sill trim plates added

2000

• Millennium Yellow available
• ? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
• Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
• Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
• Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
• No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
• Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

2001

• return to 28# injectors for all models.
• Second Generation Active Handling
• Nassau Blue discontinued
• Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
• New soundproofing + foam in all cars
• Smaller keyfob
• electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
• lighter AGM battery
• Thickness + Material in vert change
• Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
• 85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
• LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
• All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
• LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
• Hardtop/FRC discontinued
• Pup cats added to all models
• Stronger synchros in all transmissions
• Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
• metal valvestem caps (late year)
• Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
• Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
• Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
o hardtop body style
o rear brake ducting
o screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
o F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
o new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
o M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
o Titanium exhaust system
o lightweight windshield
o New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
o Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
o Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
o Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
o 6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
o redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
o Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
o FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

2002

• Z06 Changes:
o Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
o Less restrictive intake airbox lid
o Descreened MAF
o Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
o Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
o Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
o Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
o higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
o slight piston redesign *
o clutch strength upgraded.
o HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
o Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
• Electron Blue color offered
• Steel endlinks changed to aluminum

2003

• Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's

2004

· Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.

 

That is perfect. Man, this is exactly what I was hoping to find. Thanks for this info.

 

I don't know what your price range is, but I'd look for an 02 or newer.
Given the pricing out there today, you can get a heck of a car for reasonable money.
Good luck.

 

I have to stay under $30k. I've seen a few '05's in this range so I think about any decent milage C5 should be doable. I think I'm leaning toward an '02 from the above description of the different models. I'm not sure about a Z06 though because I would like an auto. My last 2 vehicles were 6 spds and I'm tired of shifting.

 

I was in your situation a couple of years ago when I sold my fine C-4. Alot of what you select is "personal choice".. hardtop and M6 was high on my list, and if possible with low miles...after six months of searching autotrader, kbb and this forum, I found my vette...good luck on your venture....that's all part of the fun, finding the vette for you.. Army Vet

 

If you are looking at a coupe or roadster, you should go 2001 or newer. If you want a Z06 you should be at least 2002.

 

These sites will answer your questions:

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/

http://www.idavette.net/facts.htm

 

Hey vettes&hockey=life, that's great information!

I wonder if anybody has a similar list of problems with these cars through the years? That would also be pretty good info.

 

I still have to look at my last C4. My dad bought it and has taken way more care of it than I did. I think he likes having bought it from me because everytime something happens to it I feel bad and come up and help fix the problems.
I've done my share of opti's. I run a dyno so I've driven a few different cars pretty hard. I think I want an auto this time so I can cruise with the car club, be in parades etc. I drove my F550 with a 6spd in the Christmas parade pulling a float and my leg hasn't let me live that down yet.


Jeff

 

Look in the sticky thead called "Weights, measurements, ratios, and strenghts, etc" at the top of the page. There is a list of common problems these cars can have. There is also alot of other good info in that thread.

Corey

 

Like you, I wanted an auto. I woulda bought a Z06 in a heartbeat, but no auto trannies.

Market is pretty good for buyers right now. I recently picked up this car - 2004 C5 coupe, with 15,200 miles, excellent condition - for $20,800. Shop hard and find one in mint condition with low miles (and low price too!). That's my advice.





-

 

Thanks Corey! I will check that out.

 

Mileage doesn't bother me too much but I'm going to stay under 100k. I'm also going to look at it personally before buying. I've bought my last 3 rigs out of state and everytime I've been disappointed with something.

 

buy a 2004, they quit making and updating the c5 after that

 

I agree they quit making it but I think aftermarket companies continue to update it.

 

I remember you and I'm so jealous you found such a nice deal.

 

The last major changes to non Z06 cars took place in 01 so I looked for 01 and up when I bought mine.

 

Yeah, I figure that this next week is going to be research (I have a business deal going through) and after that is taken care of I'll be on the hunt. The only drawback to research is sometimes you find the car you want and can't pull the trigger.

 

Some items of interest that need to be checked out when inspecting a potential C5.

1) look under the rear of the car at the left side of the differential, use a flash light. Check for the common leaking seal where the axle enters the differential housing. If it's leaking there will be black crap all over.

2) Check to see that the oil pressure gauge is not pegged out to the max. The sending units don't last long on these cars and they are hard to get to.

3) Check to see if the parking brake will hold the car on an incline, another common problem.

4) Check the operation of the headlight motors by turning the headlights on and off. The plastic gears are commonly stripped.

5) If you are allowed, pull the battery out of its mounting location and look for evidence of any acid leaks that have reached the computer and wiring just below it. Very common and very damaging.

6) Check the seats for rocking fore and aft. There are little rubber bumpers that deteriorate quickly and should be replaced with nylon. Not that big of a deal but annoying while driving.

7) I'm sure there are more common issues that others may chime in on, but if you do nothing else check the stored trouble codes, these will alert you to issues that may not be apparent just by looking. Click here for instructions and print off the codes to take with you. This can also be a great bargaining chip if codes show something needs to be fixed.

Good luck with your search and I hope this helps.